A Weekly Reflection, Sunday, August 20, 2017
By: Fran Jones
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” –Proverbs 11:25
Searching… that is where I found myself about six months ago. Newly retired, parents deceased, and a grown daughter who was no longer a dependent, I felt I was lacking purpose. And there was a strong spiritual void. I had not attended church regularly in years. Frank and I visited other churches but they just did not feel like home. We came to St. Mary’s when my daughter was small. Now, I want something more than what I knew at St Mary’s in the past because my life journey is different. With all the staff changes happening, I wondered if I could start over at St. Mary’s and not feel like a “newcomer.” I was hoping to feel refreshed in some way. I started with something small by answering the appeal for occasional help with office duties after Lori retired.
It is said that the more you give, the more you receive and boy is that true! Every Thursday I arrive to the serene setting of St. Mary’s. Next time you come to church, really look around. Notice how the buildings surround the grave sites in comfort. Take in the beautiful blues inside surrounded by the natural greens outside followed by the many white archways as they reach for the sky. It feeds my soul every week. There are many tributes to tradition here as well as an emphasis on the future. In May, I saw the kids from the preschool playing on the patio in front of the statue of baby Mary – a perfect and seamless blend of old and new.
The spiritual and operational teams we have are truly wonderful. From all walks of life, they work well together and ENJOY each other. It is so comforting for me to volunteer in that environment. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of them better! It was heart-warming to see how they all supported the children during Vacation Bible School in July. Everyone took the time to be there in the mornings to help the kids feel welcome, appreciated, and an important part of the church.
I feel that the team’s enjoyment of and commitment to each other translates to how they interact with us as a congregation. They take care of our church facility and foster our experiences with God. They do it with compassion, dedication, and caring. Because of them and this place…my search is over. Thanks be to God.